The best Greek Mediterranean food for cold winter days

Winter can be long and cold in Baltimore, but nothing warms you up like a hearty and flavorful Mediterranean meal. The Black Olive, one of the best Greek restaurants in the city, has plenty of delicious options to satisfy your cravings on a chilly day. This blog highlights some of the best Greek Mediterranean dishes to enjoy during winter. From comforting soups to savory stews and hot dishes, there’s excellent food no matter your mood.

Warm up with soups and stews

The Black Olive offers a variety of soups and stews that will warm you up from the inside out. Here are some of the top picks for a cold winter day:

• Chef’s soup of the day: We have rotating soups created by our talented chef, so there’s always something new to try on the menu
• Fish soup: We create a house stock from the legendary scorpion fish and saffron and add chunks of wild rockfish.
• Maine lobster bisque: Our creamy soup is made with fresh chunks of Maine lobster and savory spices and herbs; it’s a perfect comfort food on cold days.

Stop in at happy hour to enjoy a bowl of soup, or start your next dinner reservation by warming up with a cup.

Hearty meat and seafood dishes

When you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, there are plenty of options in the large portions on our menu. Here are some of our top picks for meat and seafood dishes:

• Lobster pasta: Fresh pasta tossed in white wine, tomato, and tarragon sauce, finished with a touch of cream and topped with a 10-ounce Maine lobster tail
• Greek-style lamb chops: Tender lamb chops marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. They are a quintessential Greek delicacy showcasing fresh and bold flavors.
• Stuffed calamari on the grill: This take on fresh calamari is stuffed with Manouri and feta cheese, then delicately grilled for one of our most requested plates.
• Grilled colossal shrimp: A delicious seafood delicacy featuring large, succulent shrimp seasoned with herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. With its tender and juicy texture, this flavorful dish is a perfect way to warm up on a cold day.

Hot sides and appetizers

In addition to the main dishes, our small plates and appetizers are perfect for sampling a variety of Greek Mediterranean foods, sharing, or enjoying as a snack on a cold day. Here are some of our favorites:

• Greek village pie: This savory pastry is filled with spinach and feta cheese and served warm. It's a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a light and flavorful snack.
• Melitzanasalata: The Greek version of a popular traditional spread made throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean region. Our recipe passed down through several generations, combines grilled eggplant, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.
• Manouri cheese in grape leaves: This mild Greek sheep’s cheese is wrapped in grape leaves and baked with a touch of olive oil.

Whether you stop in or takeout, add a few of our most requested small plates to your order.

Sweet, rich desserts

No meal is complete without dessert, and The Black Olive has a rotating dessert menu with decadent choices, whether you want to warm up with rich chocolate or berries.

• Flourless chocolate cake: This dessert features a dense and fudgy texture; made with dark chocolate, it’s perfect for chocolate lovers, with intense flavor and a dense melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Berries in brandy creme: An elegant dessert featuring fresh berries served with a creamy and boozy brandy-infused sauce.

Make a winter reservation at The Black Olive to warm up with a rich and hearty Greek Mediterranean meal.

The Black Olive has plenty of delicious options if you're looking for a warm and comforting meal on a cold winter day.

From hearty soups and stews to savory meat and seafood dishes, there's something for everyone at our authentic Greek fish tavern.

We accept reservations for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Book your next meal on historic Bond Street and stroll down our cobblestone street to warm up with a hearty, rustic Greek Mediterranean dinner in Baltimore.